The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-02-03

ing. might well lie an example to thou
sands of the rich families in our republic.
an country.
The Queen herself visited many Of
the schools of various grades in the
city, and many touching stories are
told of her reception by the teachers
and the children. In one school of quite
small children all rose upon her en-
trance and came to meet her, each with
a Marguerite pinned upon her heart,
and singing beautiful little song OF
welcome and love, which greatly af-
fected the royal visitor. She talked
with the teachers, inquired into the
studies of pupils, methods of conduct
ing the schools, and to-day, from stories
that are told me by persons who say
they know about these things, should
think Queen Margherita knew as We'll
about the practical working of schools
for the education of the people of Italy,
as many of our county superintendent
know of the schools in their districts.
She and the King are both early risers.
He is never in bed, it is said. after six
O'Clock in the morning. They, accord
ing TO the Italian custom, take their
coffee and roll together, and then work,
each in his and her department, is the
order of the day. In Florence they have
almost invariably driven out in the after
noon, sometimes together and some
times in separate carriages. With the
Queen he is, when | have seen them. in
a simple citizens dress. He Is a sad
looking man. He feels that in
inheriting the crown OF Italy he has
inherited heavy charge, which imposes
Oh him serious duties.
A lady whose acquaintance I have
CHANGED to make here. and who is a
teacher of Italian in the house where l
am staying. told me that her husband,
who is an officer in the army. came in
haste one morning d few days since say
ing that he had Just learned that the
King and Queen were to visit Mr.
G-'s studio, quite near the house
where tney were living, and asked her
if she would no: like to take the baby"
is he called 4 little bog of foGr years
Old, perhaps, and 90 into the studio,
with which they were familiar, at the
same time. She arranged her dress a
little as soon rs possible, took the child
and they all wentin together. The child
is beautiful, bright little fellow, whom
no one could well help caressing, which |
she said both the King and Queen. en-
tirely forgetful of majesty, did just as
simply and naturally as one of her
would have done.
In Life of Victor Emmanuel"
written by an English woman. that mas
fallen into my hands since l have been
in Florence, the writer. in giving an
account OF the match and the marriage,
with which Victor Emmanuel is said to
have been much pleased. thus writes of
at the time of their mar
riaga:
''Margherita was now lovely girl of
eighteen, delicately fair, with eyes Of a
leeper hue than usually accompany a
blond complexion, and smile of be-
sweetness. That smile is al
ways ready in answer to the large and
lffectionate greetings of the people.
Whether it be gay or sad. it goes
through to the hearts of the Italians
md stirs sentiment of respectful ad-
in the foreign spectator
excellent qualities, win
hing sweetness of character and per
onal grace has endeared her to the
lation in'an extraordinary degree, par
icularly since her husband came to
he throne. As Princess she was beloved,
IS Queen she is absolutely adored."
She is said to be Il person of most
-arieH requirements and has always,
With all her cares and duties, been also
student. She speaks all the leading
anguagcs of Europe with rs much flu
ncy Il, her own. They tell me that no
me born and bred in England speaks
english more purely and fiuently than
he Queen. She is also especially fond
# the natural sciences, of which her
fits her to converse with in
diligence and deep interest with the
most learned scientists of Italy, while
Ter knowledge of literature, past and
present, of her own country and of other
is something remarkable She
5 cennoiSseur of art in various de-
DartmentS also, and gives to artists her
most cordial encouragement. She has
IOne great deal to encourage the lace
makers of Venice. visiting the schools
where lace making is taught, revived
he making of old styles of lace. which
lad become almost lost art. She has
one much to increase the wages of the
'eSt workers and securing for them the
anne respect as is shown to artists in
ther departments of the fine arts. In
hort, her life is devoted to good works.
Lately was celebrated the thirtv-sixth
of the Queens birth which
he favored the Florentines by spending
Tith them and of which they made the :
most in Il very tasteful and yet not ex-
enSive way. 1t was the particular re-
uest of the King, it is said. that there :
III pe no SIttt anu expensive ue-
in the city for their recep-
ion. Indeed these were the conditions |
pon which alone he would consent to
lake this visit of Il couple of weeks. 5
lie said the city could not afford to |
pend money in this way. The people {
ad greater need for it in other ways t
f they would let their King and the |
Oyal family come as any other guests, '
hey would gladly come. When the {
lcade of their old cathedral Sbould no | |